Treatment of Shoulder Osteoarthritis

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Non-Operative Treatment of Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Managing Pain and Enhancing Function

Welcome to the Boltuch Orthopedics blog! Today, we’re focusing on a common condition that affects many of our patients: shoulder osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that can cause significant discomfort and may limit your daily activities. While surgical intervention is sometimes necessary, many patients can effectively manage their symptoms with non-operative treatments. Let’s explore these options in detail.

Understanding Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in your shoulder joint deteriorates over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Factors such as age, previous shoulder injuries, repetitive stress, and genetic predisposition can contribute to the development of OA. Remember, shoulder arthritis is a continuum of pathology from mild to severe, and the implementation and effectiveness of non-surgical treatments can vary based on where you are on this spectrum.

Non-Operative Treatment Options

Rotator Cuff Repair

Lifestyle Modifications

Activity Modification: Adjusting activities to avoid movements that exacerbate pain can help manage symptoms. For instance, if overhead lifting causes discomfort, try to avoid or modify such activities. Ensuring that your bed and pillows provide adequate cushion can help decrease night symptoms. Activity modification is generally most effective in the earlier and moderate stages of shoulder arthritis and becomes less effective as arthritis progresses.

Physical Therapy

Stretching Routines: Regular stretching can improve flexibility and range of motion, helping to alleviate stiffness. A loose, arthritic joint tends to hurt less than a stiff one.

Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening exercises for an arthritic shoulder joint may exacerbate symptoms. However, in the earlier stages of arthritis, exercises below shoulder height may be attempted, with a particular focus on strengthening the rotator cuff.

Medications

Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Topical Treatments: Creams and gels containing NSAIDs (like Voltaren gel) or capsaicin can be applied directly to the shoulder to provide localized relief.

Alternative Medications: Glucosamine with chondroitin has shown mixed results in improving cartilage status and biomarkers. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and turmeric, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may also help decrease symptoms of arthritis.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the shoulder can help relax muscles and improve blood flow, reducing pain and stiffness. Heat is also recommended before stretching the shoulder.

Cold Therapy: Ice packs can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

Injections

Corticosteroid Injections: These injections decrease inflammation within the shoulder joint, providing pain relief for a minimum of 3-4 months. Cortisone can take 1-5 days to have an effect, and sometimes soreness is noted following an injection.

PRP Injections: In the earlier phases of arthritis, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) can be used to help improve symptoms. PRP is derived from a blood sample and spun down in the office to produce a solution of healing factors. Multiple studies have shown PRP’s effectiveness in improving the symptoms of shoulder arthritis by decreasing the cell activity and signaling of inflammatory cells within an arthritic shoulder.

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture: Some patients find relief through acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to reduce pain.

Massage Therapy: Therapeutic massage can help relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain.

General Note

It is difficult to find hard scientific data to support the use of alternative therapies. However, as they are very unlikely to do harm, they can be attempted with little risk.

A Holistic Approach to Shoulder Osteoarthritis

At Boltuch Orthopedics, we believe in a holistic approach to managing shoulder osteoarthritis. Our goal is to provide personalized treatment plans that address your unique needs and lifestyle. By combining multiple non-operative treatments, we aim to reduce your pain, improve your function, and enhance your quality of life.

When to Consider Surgical Options

While non-operative treatments can be highly effective, there are cases where surgery may become necessary. If you experience severe pain that interferes with daily activities, significant loss of motion, and non-operative treatments are no longer effective, it may be time to discuss surgical options.

Conclusion

Shoulder osteoarthritis can be a challenging condition, but with the right combination of non-operative treatments, you can manage your symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle. If you have any questions or would like to explore your treatment options, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Boltuch Orthopedics and Orthopaedic Associates of West Florida. We are here to support you on your journey to better shoulder health.

Stay tuned to our blog for more insights and tips on managing orthopedic conditions. Wishing you wellness and mobility!

Andrew Boltuch, DO

Orthopaedic Associates of West Florida

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If you’re dealing with shoulder osteoarthritis, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention with non-operative treatments can significantly improve your quality of life. At Boltuch Orthopedics, we offer a comprehensive range of therapies to manage your pain and enhance your function.